Cornhole is a fun and easy game that requires players to throw bean bags into a hole on a raised wooden board to score points and win the game. Whilst variations of cornhole date back to as early as the 14th century, the game has only seen a dramatic rise in popularity in recent years and has grown from a light-hearted back garden activity played between friends and family, to a competitive sport played across the United Kingdom.
If you’re looking to join in with the new craze that is cornhole, you will first need to know how to set up a court. We have put together this illustrated guide that covers everything you need to know to play this enjoyable, family-friendly sport correctly. Our guide covers regulation cornhole court dimensions, showing how far apart cornhole boards should be, regulation cornhole board dimensions, and the sizes of regulation cornhole bags.
What are the dimensions of a cornhole court?
The UK Cornhole Association follow the rules and regulations set out by the American Cornhole Association (ACA). Despite these rules not being mandatory to follow in the UK, they are a guideline to promote consistent cornhole play across the country. Adhering to the ACA rules around the dimensions of a cornhole court is beneficial as it ensures the correct pitching distance in a game of cornhole and allows players looking to take up competitive cornhole to practice throwing their bean bags the right distance. In this section we’ll cover all the essential court dimensions you need to know such as the cornhole court length, the distance between the boards and the dimensions of the pitcher’s boxes and foul lines.
What is the length of a cornhole court?
The length of a cornhole court for adult play is 35ft/10.7m. This distance is measured between the back edges of the boards at both ends of the court. The length of a junior cornhole court is much shorter in length at 10ft-23ft/6m-7m. This is to reflect the skill level of younger players, making the game easier and more enjoyable for the next generation of cornhole players.
The width of the court remains consistent from adult to junior play at 8ft/2.4m. This measurement is based on the distance between the back edges of the pitcher’s boxes at the back of the court.
How far apart should cornhole boards be?
Cornhole boards should be placed directly opposite one another with the front edges of both boards being parallel. For open adult play, the front edges of each board should be 27ft/8.2m apart, which makes the holes on either board 33ft/10.1m apart.
For junior players aged 12 and under, the distance between the front edge of the two boards is shortened to anywhere between 12ft-15ft/3.7m-4.6m, which also reduces the distance between the holes on each board from 33ft/10.1m to 18ft-21ft/5.5m-6.4m, meaning their pitching distance is reduced to help younger players score more points.
Where do players throw from in cornhole?
Throwing from the correct position when playing cornhole is vitally important to playing the sport within the ACA rules. Pitch from the wrong place and a ‘foul bag’ will be called and you’ll score zero points for a throw even if it lands in the hole, which could cost you or your team victory.
The pitcher’s boxes are where all players must throw their bags from. These are 4ft/1.2m x 3ft/0.9m boxes that are parallel with and positioned on either side of each cornhole board. These boxes are the same size at all levels of cornhole and players must not leave the pitcher’s box on any side when throwing the bag.
The ‘foul line’ is the front line of each pitcher’s box that is level with the front edge of the cornhole board. Players must not make contact with, or cross the foul line, otherwise a ‘foul bag’ will be called.
CORNHOLE DIMENSIONS
Now we’ve covered the regulation dimensions of a cornhole court, this section will go through all the other dimensions that you need to be aware of when setting up your cornhole court.
Cornhole Board Dimensions
Each cornhole board is made to the same size specifications regardless of the participant’s age. All regulation cornhole boards need to be manufactured from 0.5in thick smooth plywood. The board itself must measure 4ft/48in/1.2m in length and 2ft/24in/0.6m in width. The back edge of the board must be raised 1ft/12in off the ground using a wooden block or a stand.
Each board is complete with a circular hole that players aim their throws towards to score maximum points. The hole measures 6in/0.5ft in diameter with the centre of circle positioned 9in from the top edge of the board and 1ft/12in from each side of the board.
Cornhole Bag Size & Weight
Cornhole bags for adult and junior play are made from two 6.3in x 6.3in fabric squares with a stitched seam on all sides holding the squares together. Each bag must be filled with plastic pellets and must weigh anywhere between 14-16.3 ounces. The complete cornhole bag must be 1in thick when lying flat.
HOW TO THROW A CORNHOLE BAG?
ACA rules require players to throw or ‘pitch’ their cornhole bags with an underarm throw from within the pitcher’s box. Players must also not make contact with the foul line or go beyond the perimeters of their pitcher’s box until the bag that they have thrown has landed at the opposite end of the court. If a player breaks these rules, then a foul bag is called, and 0 points will be scored for that throw.
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At Net World Sports we stock a range of handcrafted Harrier indoor and outdoor games that are sure to keep the whole family entertained. From Skittles, Giant Connect 4, Croquet, Giant Dominoes and more, if you’re looking for fun games to play as a family, we’ve got you covered!
